A UK Government report says that all UK seafarers must be paid fairly.
It says any offshore workers operating within UK waters need be paid at least the minimum wage for their “vital” work.
The warning comes amid rising concerns about unfair working conditions and pay on ships registered outside the UK but operating within its waters.
Today’s government report outlines workers’ right not to be undercut by their employer.
Employers who fail to pay fairly can face fines of up to 200% of the underpayment, can be named publicly and, for the worst offences, be prosecuted.
Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said: “Seafarers’ work is vital to key UK industries such as fishing, oil and gas. We are determined to ensure they are paid fairly for the work they do, often in challenging conditions.
“Today we are making it crystal clear that if you work in UK waters you are entitled to at least the minimum wage and all employers – no matter where they’re from – must pay it.”
The UK Border Force announced that they would be handing out leaflets to seafarers and employers in more than 50 languages to highlight the issue.
Border Force’s Modern Slavery Maritime lead Rob Meyer said: “Border Force takes its role of tackling exploitation and protecting vulnerable people very seriously.
“We have run a number of maritime operations targeting unscrupulous employers in the sector, and are working with government enforcement agencies to take action taken against the minority of employers who do not treat their workers in line with UK law.”
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